The Epidural Ligaments (of Hofmann): A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Overview

Journal Cureus

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2016 Oct 19

PMID 27752405

Citations 12

Authors

Gabrielle G Tardieu

Christian Fisahn

Marios Loukas

Marc Moisi

Jens Chapman

Rod J Oskouian

R Shane Tubbs

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The epidural space contains the internal vertebral venous plexus, adipose, and other connective tissues. In the anatomical literature, there are nonspecific descriptions of varying fibrous connective tissue bands in the epidural space, mainly mentioned in the lumbar region, that tether the dural sac to the posterior longitudinal ligament, the vertebral canal, and the ligamentum flavum. These ligaments have been termed as Hofmann's ligaments. This review expands on the anatomy and function of Hofmann's ligaments, increasing the awareness of their presence and serves as an impetus for further study of their histology, innervation, and function.

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